One former Sunderland man has disagreed with Regis Le Bris’ recent tactical decisions.
Last weekend, Sunderland defeated Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough Stadium, with Black Cats attacker Eliezer Mayenda bagging a brace.
It was a clinical performance from the Sunderland striker, who started in place of Wilson Isidor for the first time since the away victory against Derby County.
Mayenda’s first goal was controversial after a hit struck his hand in the build up, but it was nonetheless a terrific showing by the Sunderland striker to help them towards all three points against the Owls.
Ahead of the next game against Cardiff City, it looks as though Sunderland boss could continue with the Spaniard as a sole striker, something that one former Black Cats man believes to be a mistake.
Former Sunderland player Danny Collins disagrees with Regis Le Bris one-striker formation
With the clash against Cardiff City on ther horizon, Sunderland boss Le Bris was asked whether he is considering starting both Mayenda and Isidor, based on the fact that the former is undroppable after the clash with Sheffield Wednesday, and with the latter being the Black Cats’ top scorer in the 2024/25 season so far.
“It’s possible to play them together, yes,” Le Bris said. “But we have 11 games left and we have to manage our small squad… at the minute I am more in the mindset to manage everyone, rather than putting everyone on the pitch. It’s important to finish well this season, and to refresh the team.”
Sunderland boss Le Bris has not utilised two up top since the win at Derby, with Mayenda and Isidor starting in a 1-0 victory on the road, and their record since has seen three wins, two draws and two losses.
Former Sunderland man Danny Collins, via BBC Sport, is very much in favour of Le Bris reverting to his former formation, as he said: “I would personally look at a 4-4-2 and play the two of them (Mayenda and Wilson Isidor) up top against Cardiff this weekend.
“Why not go with it? Go with a two-man midfield, maybe Jobe [Bellingham] and Dan Neil. [Romaine] Mundle on the wing, maybe stick with Patrick [Roberts] on the right. Go with those two and you’ve got pace at the top end of the pitch. That’s a nightmare for any centre-back pairing in the league.
“What don’t you like as a centre-back or a full-back? It’s the ball constantly getting dropped in behind you, running back towards your own goal with a flier on your shoulder.”
Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor partnership will rectify Black Cats attacking concerns
In recent weeks, there have been games where Sunderland haven’t quite been on top form, particularly in the final third.
For example, Sunderland’s defeat to Hull City saw Isidor isolated up top, notching just 14 touches of the ball in 90 minutes.
Sunderland’s record utilising both Mayenda and Isidor is splendid as well, and it was showcased in its best light in the fabulous 2-1 home victory against fellow promotion candidates Sheffield United, where the pair both scored.
Whilst it looks as though Le Bris won’t revert to two-up-top against Cardiff, it should be an option considered by the French boss, who will certainly want to utilise both Mayenda and Isidor as much as possible.